WA to “cautiously” transition to a controlled interstate border
But state remains vigilant as it takes first cautious, considered, careful steps
Effective November 14 Western Australia will move to a “controlled border” policy, removing its hard border policy and permit residents from states and territories deemed very low risk to enter without undertaking quarantine.
Travellers from these jurisdictions – Tasmania, Queensland, South Australia, the ACT and the Northern Territory – will still be subject to certain requirements and arriving at Perth Airport will undergo a health screening and temperature test on arrival and be prepared to undertake a COVID-19 test if necessary.
They will need to complete a declaration stipulating they do not have any COVID-19 symptoms and which jurisdictions they have been to in the past 14 days.
People coming from New South Wales and Victoria will still need to self-quarantine for 14 days in a “suitable premise” and present for a COVID-19 test on day 11.
“Our response to the COVID-19 pandemic has always been first and foremost about protecting the health and safety of Western Australians,” he said.
“We’ve followed the expert health advice, and for the last seven months, our hard border has kept Western Australia safe and strong.”
The premier said that pending ongoing health advice, the change will take effect at 12:01am on Saturday, November 14.
“However, we will be closely monitoring the situation over east and if we need to delay this introduction of the controlled border, then we will,” he said.
“Also, I will have no hesitation to reintroduce our hard border in the future if that’s what’s needed to keep us safe.
“This hasn’t been an easy year for anyone. But for many Western Australians, the hard border has been particularly challenging.
“I’d like to thank everyone for their understanding and patience over these months – particularly those who have been separated from their loved ones by the border.
I know how hard it has been – my own parents and brother live in New South Wales. It’s been extremely difficult not knowing when I will be able to see them again.
“Throughout the pandemic, we’ve maintained a cautious and careful approach based on WA’s expert health advice from the Chief Health Officer. That advice has served us well as we have embarked on our own, unique recovery.
“Today, based on that health advice and the rates of local infection in the eastern states, we are now at the next step of our journey.
“I want every Western Australian to know that we would not be proceeding down this path unless we had the health advice that it was safe to do so.
“The time is right, the conditions are right, and I’m confident our controlled border arrangement strikes the right balance.
“These are cautious, considered and careful steps.”
Mike Parker-Brown is a UK-trained and qualified journalist and an award-winning travel communicator with more than 30 years experience.
Since 2002, Mike has worked as a freelance writer and PR consultant providing his services to major organisations in Australia and internationally in the tourism, aviation, hospitality, recruitment and export marketing sectors.
